Recent Correlations between Addiction and Other Diagnoses

According to a recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, “when other factors are held constant, mental illness does increase use of addictive goods-relative to use by the overall population-by 20 percent for alcohol, 27 percent for cocaine, and 86 percent for cigarettes.” The correlation between addictions and other mental illness diagnoses has recently proven itself closer than expected.

More often than not, people suffering from a mental illness use drugs or alcohol to cope with whatever symptoms they may be experiencing. The National Bureau of Economic Research also reveals that those who have a mental health disorder diagnosis are responsible for consuming 69 percent of alcohol, 84 percent of cocaine, and 68 percent of cigarettes. However, self-diagnosis rarely addresses the actual underlying issue and more often than not just creates a whole new set of problems for the person to have to handle. Similarly, repeated use and abuse of drugs and alcohol can also trigger mental health issues. Paranoia, delusions, and depression can come along as side effects for many drugs. Moreover, with long term drug use, many of these symptoms do not wear off and can manifest themselves into a whole new psychological problem.

In order to help prevent this vicious cycle from taking on a life of its own, many treatment centers have programs that specifically address users with dual diagnoses. Why do both problems need to be treated at the same time? Because an untreated substance abuse problem can make mental health treatment completely impossible, and an ignored mental health issue will only increase the chances of self-diagnosis recurring.